NE on the verge of historical leap forward : Governor
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 28 2016:
An international conference on "North East India-Myanmar Ethnic and Cultural Linkages" was opened today at Manipur University.
The conference is jointly organised by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts and Manipur University.
Speaking at the inaugural session as chief guest, Governor Dr Najma Heptulla appreciated the objective of the Conference which is to broadly strengthen the magnificent cultural relation based on deep rooted cultural, religious and neighbourly association between India and Myanmar.
The common heritage of Buddhism and the philosophy of compassion, tolerance, non-violence and peace have laid strong foundations for this relationship and it is the right and appropriate time to hold the conference as North East India is on the verge of a historical leap forward under the new development policy of Look East or Act East Policy of the Government of India.
North East India has the locational advantage with Myanmar being the point of convergence as well as the linkage route between India and the other South East Asian countries as they are connected by land routes since ancient times.
Myanmar played a significant role in spreading Indian culture, trade, commerce, philosophy, customs, religious practices and belief systems through land to South East Asian Countries and records have shown that some of the ethnic groups had migrated from Myanmar, Mongolia, Tibet, China, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand.
They are still maintaining languages, traditions, arts, crafts life styles as well as traditional religious practices.
The cultural bond between NE India and Myanmar extends to the field of music and literature as is evident in the similarities of musical instruments and the influence of Indian epics like the Ramayana which has various versions in the South East Asian countries.
Another common feature is the use of red colour to symbolize bravery and also the frequent use of black as background or in combination with other colours.
The textiles found on both sides have intricate designs of human and animal figures.
The Governor stated that the Conference will look into the different aspects of the NE cultural traditions and their evolution through time and come up with ideas to keep pace with the changing environment.
The Conference will bring out the best ethnic and cultural relations between NE India and Myanmar.
She suggested that the conference may also discuss the Mahabharat so that the missing link between the two countries can be found.
The inaugural function was attended by Prof Sachchinand Joshi, Member Secretary, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, New Delhi as the guest of honour, Prof M Dhaneshwar Singh, acting VC, Manipur University as president and Prof JN Phukan, former Member, Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi as the keynote speaker and Prof N Lokendra Singh and Prof Dr Bachchan Kumar, IGNCA, New Delhi as conference coordinators, apart from State and foreign dignitaries.
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